EFCC re-arraigns ex-chief of air staff over alleged N4.8bn fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal

Umar was brought before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged N4.8 billion fraud.

He is being accused of using funds belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to purchase six choice properties in Abuja, Kano and Kaduna between September 2010 and December 2012.

As contained in the charge sheet marked FHC/ABJ/CR/92/ 2016, the anti-graft agency alleged that Umar transferred N66million into the Stanbic/IBTC account No. 9202077424, belonging to Capital Law office, from NAF operations account domiciled at UBA Plc, for the renovation/improvement of a house at No 1853 Deng Xiao Ping Street, Off Mahathir Mohammed Street, Asokoro Extension Abuja.

It said between September and December 2012, the former Chief of Air Staff used the Dollar equivalent of N500 million removed from NAF account to purchase a four Bedroom Duplex with Boys Quarters at Road 3B Street 2, Mabushi Ministers Hill, Abuja.

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Umar also allegedly used the US dollar equivalent of N250 million to purchase a property situated at No 14, Audu Bako Way, G.R.A. Kano State, in 2011.

The accused had initially been arraigned the accused before Justice Dimgba, and he pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

Upon the prayers of his lawyer, Mr. Hassan Liman (SAN), Justice Dimgba granted Umar bail on self-recognition and was directed to surrender his international passports to the deputy registrar of the court, as well as to produce two sureties who must not only own landed properties in Abuja, but also depose to an affidavit of means before the court.

The court fixed February 13 and 16, 2017 for the commencement of hearing.